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Plan Your Trip to Australia: Best of Australia Tourism

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Australia is as varied as it is enormous-- it is home to thriving cities, vast wilderness, and earnest, friendly people. Sydney is for sophisticates, with its famous opera house and annual Sculpture By the Sea outdoor art exhibits. Port Douglas makes a great base for snorkeling or diving the Great Barrier Reef, and quaint lighthouses keep vigil along the beaches of Byron Bay. Melbourne is a hub of rousing cricket activity, and the limestone pillars of the Pinnacles Desert are a natural wonder.
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Australia travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travellers ask in the forums.

Popular Routes

According to forum posts, one popular road trip route from Sydney involves traveling to the Blue Mountains, then heading to Canberra, and continuing through the Snowy Mountains to Melbourne. This route offers a mix of mountain scenery and city experiences.

Coastal Alternatives

For those preferring coastal scenery, some travelers suggested a route from Sydney to Brisbane, passing through coastal towns like Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, and Byron Bay. This route is highlighted for its beautiful beaches and relaxed coastal towns.

Inland Options

An inland alternative mentioned involves traveling from Sydney to Broken Hill, incorporating stops at regional towns such as Mudgee, Dubbo, and Cobar, before exploring the unique landscapes of Mungo National Park. This route is appreciated for its rural Australian scenery and less-traveled roads.

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Family-Friendly Road Trip Suggestions

According to forum posts, a popular family-friendly route is from Sydney to Melbourne, which allows families to explore coastal towns and scenic spots along the way. This route is especially suitable for families with young children, as it offers a blend of beaches, small towns, and nature activities. Travelers have called out the inclusion of stops like the Blue Mountains and Jervis Bay, which provide opportunities for short hikes and enjoying natural landscapes.

Alternative Routes

For those seeking a more adventurous route, the drive from Brisbane to Cairns has been mentioned, but it's noted to be less dense in population and attractions compared to the Sydney to Melbourne route. However, this route might appeal to families interested in exploring Queensland's coastal areas and experiencing the tropical environment. Another recommended option is a loop from Sydney towards Canberra and back, incorporating rural scenery and national parks, suitable for families who enjoy outdoor activities and nature exploration.

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Campervan Essentials

According to forum posts, when traveling by campervan in Australia, it's crucial to pack essential items like comfy chairs, a small folding table, and a reliable sleeping setup such as your own sleeping bags and pillows. Travelers have called out the importance of bringing along warm clothing, especially if traveling near Perth, as evenings can still be chilly.

Driving and Maintenance Tips

Some travelers emphasized the importance of preparing for the drive. This includes checking the campervan thoroughly before departure, understanding all its functionalities, and ensuring all necessary utensils and cooking gear are onboard. Additionally, bringing a variety of tap connectors for different water sources at campsites and storage bags for water and sullage hoses can prevent inconvenience during the journey.

Campsite Experience

For many users, staying at campsites is part of the appeal. Travelers recommend booking campsites in advance, especially in high-demand areas. Bringing items like baby wipes for quick cleanups and Dettol wipes for general sanitation can enhance the camping experience. A pleasant-smelling candle was also suggested to improve the small living quarters of a campervan.

Safety and Comfort

Travelers have advised considering the seasonal weather and potential hazards like road conditions and wildlife. Ensuring the campervan is equipped with necessary safety features and understanding local guidelines for campervan parking and camping are essential for a safe trip.

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Visa Types and Applications

According to forum posts, Canadian citizens can apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) via the Australian government's official website or the new ETA smartphone app. British citizens require an e-visa, which can also be applied for through the official website. U.S. citizens need to use the ETA app to apply for their visas.

Additional Requirements

Some travelers mentioned that besides the ETA or e-visa, proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test (either PCR or supervised Antigen) might be required for entry, depending on the current health guidelines at the time of travel.

Official Sources

For all visitors, the consistent advice is to refer to the Australian government's official immigration website for the most accurate and updated information regarding visa applications and entry requirements.

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Tour Operators and Experiences

Some travelers have recommended AAT Kings as a reputable tour operator known for organizing various trips across Australia, including destinations like Ayers Rock, Melbourne, and the Great Ocean Road. According to forum posts, Goway Travel is another operator mentioned but with less familiarity among users.

Specific Tours and Attractions

For many users, popular tours include visits to Ayers Rock and Kings Canyon, where guided walks with Traditional Owners/Rangers are highly valued. Travelers have called out the unique experiences such as having dinner or sunrise breakfast at Uluru. AAT Kings offers comprehensive packages that include these activities along with transportation and accommodation.

Alternative Exploration Options

According to forum posts, self-driven tours are also popular, especially along the Great Ocean Road and from Adelaide to Melbourne. This allows travelers to explore at their own pace, visiting local wineries and natural sites. Some travelers opt to fly between major cities and rent cars locally for regional exploration to maximize their travel time efficiently.

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Hotel Recommendations

According to forum posts, travelers have called out several accommodation options in Cairns that cater to different preferences. The Riley, a part of Crystalbrook, is mentioned for its luxury and exemplary service, especially noted during booking cancellations due to COVID. For those seeking boutique and unique experiences, the Abbott Boutique Hotel and Floriana Guest House have been recommended by visitors for their excellent locations and charming ambiance.

Alternative Accommodation

For a more intimate and nature-immersed experience, some travelers suggested staying at The Pond Cottage in Ravenshoe. It's highlighted for being self-contained, set in a serene location with wildlife, and is highly rated for its hospitality and affordability. This location might require inquiries about child accommodation as it is known to be pet-friendly.

Service and Experience

In terms of service, a traveler shared a memorable stay at a budget motel in Cairns where the manager went above and beyond to make guests feel welcome, including personal gestures like laundry services and social invitations, indicating that good service can greatly enhance even budget accommodations.

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Major Domestic Routes

According to forum posts, major domestic flight routes in Australia include Sydney to Melbourne, Brisbane to Sydney, and Melbourne to Brisbane. These are among the busiest due to the large urban populations and business connections between these cities.

Lesser Frequented Routes

For more remote or less populated areas like Darwin and Cairns, travelers have noted that flight options are more limited. For instance, direct flights from Sydney to Darwin and Darwin to Cairns are not as frequent, reflecting the lower demand compared to routes between larger cities.

Special Considerations

Some travelers mentioned that specific routes such as from Sydney to Uluru might not operate daily, suggesting checking schedules in advance. Additionally, during peak travel times like school holidays, flight availability and prices may be affected, emphasizing the need for early booking.

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Application Process

According to forum posts, to apply for an Australian Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 or 462), you should start by visiting the official Australian immigration website. Here, you can find the visa application form and detailed instructions on the application process.

Documentation and Requirements

Some travelers mentioned that you need to provide various documents during the application, such as a passport and possibly evidence of sufficient funds. Additionally, depending on your nationality, you may need to meet specific educational or work experience requirements.

Application Considerations

It is important to apply well in advance of your intended travel date, as processing times can vary. Travelers have called out that while some visas are processed relatively quickly, others might take longer, especially if additional information or documentation is required.

Additional Advice

Travelers have advised not to book flights or make non-refundable arrangements until your visa has been approved to avoid potential financial losses if the visa application is delayed or denied.

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Tripadvisor is not responsible for these answers or any opinions in them. Please read full forum posts for more details and information.